What are Intraocular Lenses?
The lens of your eye helps you see by focusing light rays. When young, our lens is clear. But over time the lens becomes cloudy, and this change is called a cataract. If the cataract is negatively impacting vision, it can be removed and an intraocular lens (or IOL) can be surgically inserted to replace a natural lens. The implant is made of clear acrylic, and is about ¼ inch in width.
The surgery is gentle, without pain, and has an exemplary rate of success. Risks are low, and are very rare when patients are in the hands of an experienced team. You can generally expect to be sent back home within 2–3 hours, though you’ll need to have a driver at the ready.
A thorough preoperative discussion with your eye surgeon will determine which IOL is right for you. Eye Consultants of Atlanta have the latest and most advanced technology for analyzing eyes prior to surgery, and use safe and proven techniques for the procedure.
Types of IOLs
Just like prescription eyeglasses, IOLs come in different strengths and focusing powers.
The most common is the traditional monofocal lens, also called a standard lens. These lenses do not address astigmatism or presbyopia, and patients will require glasses for optimal vision after surgery.
But thanks to continued research and developments in technology, there are advanced technology lenses that offer alternatives to the traditional monofocal lens and provide visual benefits:
- Toric IOLs – Designed to correct astigmatism, as well as myopia and hyperopia. These lenses allow the surgeon to change the lens orientation while inside the eye to ensure astigmatism is properly corrected.
- Presbyopia-Correcting Lens Implants – These implants correct distance vision while also reducing or completely eliminating the dependence on reading glasses after cataract surgery. In other words, these lens implants allow you to see at multiple distances without using glasses. Of note, these lens implants also correct astigmatism in the same way a toric IOL does. There are different types of these lenses, and your surgeon will help guide your decision on what’s best for you.
Determining the right lens for you still depends on several factors, including your current eye health, vision levels, and result expectations. There are subtle, but very important eye anatomy variances that determine your candidacy for the lens implant that’s best for you, whether it’s a standard IOL or an advanced modern lens implant. Our award-winning doctors are here to discuss these matters and more with you. Request an appointment online or call 404-351-2220 to schedule.